David Coulthard retires tomorrow after 246 Grands Prix

David Coulthard retires tomorrow as a Formula One driver after 246 Grands Prix.

David Coulthard retires tomorrow as a Formula One driver after 246 Grands Prix.

But the Scot admits that despite 13 wins one of his favourite memories is giving Michael Schumacher the finger from the cockpit on his way to winning the 2000 French Grand Prix.

Coulthard joked: "If you're not going to be known for winning world championships then you've got to be remembered for something interesting.

"I'm particularly proud of bringing some unique moments to F1."

At 37 he bows out as the highest scoring British driver ever on 536 points, as well as being a popular pitlane figure.

To mark his last race, team bosses have agreed to allow a special livery on his Red Bull car to promote the Wings for Life spinal charity. Since stepping in after Ayrton Senna's death in 1994 he has racked up 12 poles, 18 fastest laps at Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, and his best finish was second to Schuey in the 2001 title race.

But he added: "It was only going to the airport coming out here I got emotional and realised I would be leaving as a Grand Prix driver and coming back as Joe Bloggs, a normal person.

"I wish I'd savoured the individual moments more. I have no recollection at all of my first podium.

"I remember bits of my first win. Thank God for video.

"My greatest challenge is about to come, fatherhood.

But I hope I don't cry on raceday - there's nothing worse than a seeing a grown man cry."

Coults returns next season as a consultant for Red Bull and as part of the BBC team.